How to become a millionaire in the US with a 9-to-5 salary (even a mediocre one). Make your biggest jump in 2026

Core Insights - The perception that becoming a millionaire is only achievable through extraordinary means is challenged by the reality that many millionaires have built their wealth through common professions and strategies [1][2] Group 1: Millionaire Demographics - A national survey indicates that the top five careers among millionaires are engineer, accountant, teacher, manager, and attorney, highlighting that these are not niche professions [1] - Nearly 1 in 5 households in the U.S. are millionaires, suggesting that wealth accumulation may be more attainable than previously thought [2] Group 2: Wealth Accumulation Strategies - Negotiating higher pay is crucial; a 2023 survey found that 60% of workers did not ask for higher pay when hired, and among those who did, nearly two-thirds received what they requested or more [3] - Job-switching can lead to significant salary increases; data from ADP shows that job-switchers experienced an average annual salary increase of 6.3%, compared to just 4.4% for job-stayers [4]